Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 27

If time could turn back, Clara would have dragged herself to the Bradfords' place last night, even if she was on her last legs. She took a deep breath and chose to ignore Simon, who was standing in front of her.

Simon felt pretty pleased with himself. Even though he and Clara had known each other for years, Quinn's arrival five years ago had been heart-wrenching. She was like a delicate porcelain doll that everyone automatically gravitated towards. By now, it was second nature for everyone to side with Quinn. They assumed Clara was just being dramatic and would eventually come around.

The drinks were delivered swiftly, and everyone thanked Jade, not realizing Clara had placed the order. Clara couldn't care less about correcting them and instead focused on the documents she was working on.

She had a real estate appointment that afternoon. After unexpectedly receiving a two-million-dollar windfall last night, she figured she didn't need to keep living in her current situation. As soon as the clock struck the end of the workday, she got ready to leave.

But just then, Jade came over with a stack of papers. "Sort these out. I need them in an hour."

Clara frowned as she flipped through a few pages. "Jade, you gave me these on day one. I've already organized all the critical points."

Jade's expression soured. She hadn't expected Clara to have sorted everything so efficiently. She noticed the neatly compiled file and couldn't believe it had been done without assistance. She assumed Simon must have helped Clara; there was no way Clara could have managed it alone. So, she handed over another stack, mostly duplicates of what Clara had already seen.

her surprise, Clara

Clara quipped, "Or is

"What

are clear and concise. If there's something you're unsure about, feel

deep breath and sneered, "You probably had a man's help with those documents. Clara, what are you so smug about? You've got all this because of your family's money. If you came from a background like mine, you'd probably be out on

Jade, you're truly admirable. You're the real independent woman of today. We should all take

anger, and she was momentarily lost for words. "I'm not

her watch, finally showing a hint of impatience. "I'm not interested in your life story. If there's nothing work-related,

was

stepped into the elevator. She hadn't planned on severing ties so abruptly, but Jade's self-proclaimed independence and condescending attitude were too much. Her confidence came at the expense of

the real estate agent, who treated her with great respect. "Ms. Clara, this is the